First Lady should lead by example - Linda Masarira

Zimbabwe Women In Politics Alliance strongly condemns the alleged barbaric and violent acts by the first Lady Grace Mugabe.

The organisation's leader Linda Masarira said Grace's actions are totally unacceptable and a disgrace to womankind.

"Her conduct is deplorable for a woman of her stature who should be an advocate of peace, unity and tolerance. It's rather unfortunate that whilst South Africa is celebrating women and denouncing any form of gender based violence, Grace Mugabe engaged in violent acts of attacking a young defenceless South African woman," she said.

"We expect a first Lady to lead by example, behave like a mother and to advocate against any form of violence. It is a wake up call to all women in Zimbabwe and the world that because we are all female does not mean we identify with each other but that elitism is cross cutting. Her contempt for the weak and poor is clear testimony that she has no leadership qualities and cannot lead a women's league of mostly poor women let alone a nation."

"We appeal to the South African law authorities to enforce rule of law without fear or favour. No one should abuse anyone emotionally or physically regardless of their social or political standing. Leaders should be brought to account."

She said they can only transform their societies by ensuring that any perpetrator of violence is brought to book.

"Zimbabwe Women in Politics Alliance is humbly calling upon all the women in Zimbabwe and all over the world to speak out against Grace Mugabe's violent, barbaric and disgraceful conduct," she said.